CAREERS THROUGH CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM (C-CAP) COOKING COMPETITION FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Preliminary Application and Instructions

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1 CAREERS THROUGH CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM (C-CAP) COOKING COMPETITION FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Preliminary Application and Instructions Congratulations on your decision to apply to the C-CAP Cooking Competition for Scholarships! The C-CAP Competition has helped thousands of students like you achieve their post-secondary and career goals. Over the past 26 years, C-CAP has awarded $46 million in scholarships to thousands of high school students across the country! The preliminary competition application is the first step towards consideration for a C-CAP scholarship. Read the application instructions and follow the directions very carefully. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted. If you have questions about the C-CAP competition, please contact your culinary instructor and/or your local C-CAP Program Coordinator. Good luck!

2 Competition Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements in order to compete in the C-CAP Cooking Competition for Scholarships: Applicant must currently attend a C-CAP-affiliated high school or after school program. Applicant must be a Junior or Senior in high school, or must be currently enrolled in a GED program or must have passed the GED test. Senior applicants must have taken one (1) culinary course at the C-CAP-affiliated high school or after school program (includes the course you are currently enrolled in); two (2) courses are preferred. Junior applicants must currently be enrolled in a culinary course. All GED applicants must have their GED scores on or before the date of the final competition Applicant must be 21 years old or younger. Competition and Scholarship Overview The preliminary competition application is the first step towards consideration for a C-CAP scholarship. You must be selected to compete in the Preliminary Competition and the Final Competition in order to be eligible for a scholarship from C-CAP. C-CAP scholarships can ONLY be used towards post-secondary educations in culinary arts, hospitality, tourism and nutrition. For select scholarships, further restrictions may apply. An up-to-date list of C-CAP scholarships, eligibility requirements and restrictions can be requested from your local C-CAP coordinator or your teacher. Competition and scholarships results are determined based on a variety of criteria including: Applications Consisting of a preliminary (juniors and seniors) and final competition applications (seniors only), these include application forms, post-secondary research chart, essay and letters of recommendation. Performance In the preliminary and final competitions. Soft Skills Includes attitude, integrity, attendance, ability to meet deadlines and follows instructions. Scholarship Eligibility Requirements Some scholarships have additional eligibility requirements set by the donor or college, these can be found on the scholarship list provided by your local C-CAP coordinator. Need Determined by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) reported on the FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR). Interviews In the preliminary competition and final competition. Applicant s Preferences Please note: based on the above criteria, C-CAP may find you best suited for a scholarship to a school not listed as one of your preferences. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Requirement Senior Competitors Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Requirement All senior C-CAP final competitors will be required to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. Special circumstances must be brought to the attention of the local C-CAP Program Coordinator as soon as possible. Application Guidelines Read each question carefully. Write legibly if you make a mistake, use white out or start over with a new application. Complete each section entirely and accurately. Check the entire application for spelling, grammar and accuracy. Check that all of your documents are complete and included in your packet. Make two (2) complete copies of your entire Preliminary Competition Application packet and send it to C-CAP. Make one (1) complete copy of your Preliminary Competition Application and keep it for your records. Use a binder clip to secure all of your documents together when you are finished. Do not submit your application packets stapled or in a folder, binder or cover.

3 C-CAP COMPETITION PRELIMINARY APPLICATION CHECKLIST In order to apply for entry into the C-CAP Cooking Competition for Scholarships, this checklist must be signed and dated by the applicant, his or her parent/guardian, and the applicant s competition instructor-trainer. All documents must be complete and submitted on or before the deadline. Applicant Name Application Deadline SUBMIT ONE ORIGINAL AND ONE COPY (2 COPIES TOTAL) of the C-CAP Preliminary Application packet to your local coordinator by the due date. Each packet MUST include the following: C-CAP Preliminary Competition Application Checklist (page 1) Preliminary Competition Application Form (pages 2-3) Current Resume or Experience Form (page 4) Personal Essay (page 5) Letters of Recommendations (pages 6-8) One (1) letter of recommendation from a culinary teacher One (1) letter of recommendation from the applicant s choice Two copies of each letter of recommendation should be placed in a sealed envelope by recommender and envelopes submitted to C-CAP with application packets. Competition Contract (page 9) Media Release Form (page 10) Current High School Transcript Please note: Use a binder clip to secure your packets. Do not submit your application stapled, in binders, folders or covers. Keep one copy of the application for your records. Late, incomplete or unsigned applications will NOT be accepted. By signing this checklist I am stating that all documents included in the C-CAP preliminary application are my original work and/or were completed by the individuals requested per the application instructions. All signatures, letters of recommendation, and transcripts are authentic. The application is complete and accurate and all required documents listed above are included. Applicant Signature By signing this checklist I am stating that, to the best of my knowledge, all documents included in the C-CAP preliminary application are the original work of the applicant and/or were completed by the individuals requested per the application instructions. The application is complete and accurate and all required documents are included. Parent/Guardian Signature Instructor-Trainer Signature 1

4 C-CAP PRELIMINARY COMPETITION APPLICATION Personal Information ALL information below is required. Last Name First Name Middle Birth Gender Male mm/dd/yyyy Female Social Security Number Citizenship U.S. citizen U.S. Permanent Resident Visa Non-Resident Other If you are a non-resident, have you applied for Deferred Action (DACA)? Yes No Plan to apply Not sure N/A Ethnicity Please select one or more of the following that best describes you. American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Black or African American Hispanic or Latino Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander White Other Please check here if you prefer not to respond Jacket Size XS S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL Contact Information Mailing Address Number and Street Apt # City State Zip Home Phone Student Cell Phone Student Parent/Guardian Name(s) Relationship to Student Parent Cell Phone Parent Is either of your parents (or court-appointed parents) eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits? Yes No High School / Vocational School Academics Grade Cumulative GPA or Average Expected Graduation Number Culinary Courses Taken Culinary Instructor current semester or year mm/yyyy 2

5 Post-Secondary Schools List the post-secondary schools you plan to apply to in order of preference, including one community college. Post-Secondary School Major/ Program of Study Degree Status Bachelors Associates Certificate/Diploma Bachelors Associates Certificate/Diploma Bachelors Associates Certificate/Diploma Bachelors Associates Certificate/Diploma Bachelors Associates Certificate/Diploma Bachelors Associates Certificate/Diploma Plan to apply Already applied Accepted Plan to apply Already applied Accepted Plan to apply Already applied Accepted Plan to apply Already applied Accepted Plan to apply Already applied Accepted Plan to apply Already applied Accepted VI. Post-Secondary C-CAP Scholarships Review the list of C-CAP scholarships available from your local C-CAP coordinator or your teacher. Write down the C-CAP scholarships you want to be considered for in order of preference. Please note: you will only be considered for scholarships for which you are eligible. C-CAP Scholarship Name Award Amount Eligibility Requirements Are You Eligible? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No 3

6 Student Resume or Experience Form Students must submit either a completed resume OR fill out the form below indicting work experience and activities. If you are submitting a resume in lieu of this form, please be sure it includes your full name and all of the information requested below (e.g. position, dates, etc.). Professional Work Experience Place of Employment and Supervisor s Name Position s of Employment Hours per Week Activities (Examples: school café, student government, school publications, drama, art, music, volunteer, clubs, sports, etc.) Age When Began Activity, Role, Brief Description # Years Involved 4

7 Personal Essay The personal essay helps us become acquainted with who you are as a person and a student, apart from grades, test scores and work history. It will also demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself. Please carefully read the essay prompt and write a clear, creative essay. Requirements and guidelines have been provided to assist you. Imagine you are writing your own autobiography. Tell us about your life who you are, where you are from, and some of your life experiences. Include a bit about your interest in culinary arts and how you know it is the right career path for you. Essay requirements 500 words or more Typewritten on white, unlined paper First name, last name and the date on each page of the essay If you applied to the C-CAP competition last year, you must write a completely NEW essay A Good C-CAP Essay Will 1. Answer the essay prompt in its entirety Make sure you fully respond to the topic asked. 2. Tell us your story You can distinguish yourself through your story; your story is unique. Tell us what makes you, you. This is your opportunity to sell yourself in the application process, to let us know who you are, where you ve been and where you re going. 3. Be specific Give specific examples from your life to support your statements. 4. Begin with a strong opening paragraph The opening paragraph is very important. It will grab the reader's attention or lose it. Concentrate on writing a strong introduction. If writing is not your strength, ask an English teacher to help you. 5. Be free of grammar and spelling errors Type and proofread your essay very carefully. Have an English teacher in your school help you proofread. Spell check does not catch everything! 5

8 Letters of Recommendation A recommendation letter is a written reference that offers information about your character, personality and work ethic. A letter of recommendation helps us to get to know you better through someone who has worked with you in an academic, professional or personal setting. Each applicant must submit two (2) typewritten letters of recommendation on letterhead in a sealed envelope. Both letters of recommendation must be attached to your C-CAP application upon submission. Your letter of recommendations must be typewritten on letterhead by: 1. Culinary Teacher A culinary teacher (preferably the teacher who will train your for competition) who can write about your culinary skills and performance as a student. 2. Applicant s choice A person who can write about your culinary skills, your performance as a student or employee, your work ethic and your character/personality i.e. employer, mentor, religious advisor, high school guidance counselor, career counselor, coach. Letters of recommendation will NOT be accepted from the following individuals: Parent/Guardian Friend Relative (including, but not limited to: brothers/sisters, cousins, grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc.) A C-CAP employee GUIDELINES FOR RECOMMENDATIONS Whom to ask Ask someone who is reliable and will write positive things about you. Consider their spelling, grammar, punctuation and writing skills. Ask someone who is familiar with you and knows you well enough to include personal anecdotes in the letter. How and when to ask C-CAP has included two forms (see attached) to explain the C-CAP Cooking Competition for Scholarships and to help your recommenders write their letters for you. Be sure to give this form to your recommenders. If possible, ask in person so you can hand deliver the form. If they have questions you can answer them right away. Explain what the recommendation is for and explain why you have chosen him or her to write it. Be sure to give your recommenders at least two weeks to write the recommendation and return it to you. Respectfully request that he or she return two copies of the letter of recommendation written on letterhead to you by a specific date in a sealed envelope. 6

9 Letter of Recommendation Guide CULINARY TEACHER The C-CAP Cooking Competition for Scholarships is an opportunity for culinary-driven public high school students to earn scholarships to study culinary arts and hospitality in college. C-CAP provides awards and scholarships ranging from $1,000 to full-tuition. Participants compete in a timed cooking competition that tests their abilities to memorize and follow recipes, work under pressure and display proper culinary techniques. Award results are based on the participant s performance at competition, letters of recommendation, essays and transcripts. Your Name Your Occupation Your Title What is your relationship to the applicant? How long have you known the applicant? Phone Number Signature Address Please provide two copies of a typewritten letter of recommendation on letterhead in a sealed envelope that gives a description of the applicant as a motivated individual who plans to attend a post-secondary institution. GUIDELINES FOR RECOMMENDATION Provide an assessment of the applicant s personal characteristics, such as attitude, work ethic, motivation, maturity, integrity, independence, originality, initiative, leadership potential, capacity for growth and enthusiasm. Tell us about your perception of the applicant s passion for food and desire for a career in the foodservice and hospitality industry. Be specific. Give specific stories or anecdotes about things the applicant did to give you your impression. Include any other information (such as special talents) that will help the C-CAP staff to differentiate him or her from other applicants. Please return this form and two copies of your letter of recommendation on letterhead in a sealed envelope to the applicant by. 7

10 Letter of Recommendation Guide APPLICANT S CHOICE The C-CAP Cooking Competition for Scholarships is an opportunity for culinary-driven public high school students to earn scholarships to study culinary arts and hospitality in college. C-CAP provides awards and scholarships ranging from $1,000 to full-tuition. Participants compete in a timed cooking competition that tests their abilities to memorize and follow recipes, work under pressure and display proper culinary techniques. Award results are based on the participant s performance at competition, letters of recommendation, essays and transcripts. Your Name Your Occupation Your Title What is your relationship to the applicant? How long have you known the applicant? Phone Number Signature Address Please provide two copies of a typewritten letter of recommendation on letterhead in a sealed envelope that gives a description of the applicant as a motivated individual who plans to attend a post-secondary institution. GUIDELINES FOR RECOMMENDATION Provide an assessment of the applicant s personal characteristics, such as attitude, work ethic, motivation, maturity, integrity, independence, originality, initiative, leadership potential, capacity for growth and enthusiasm. Tell us about your perception of the applicant s passion for food and desire for a career in the foodservice and hospitality industry. Be specific. Give specific stories or anecdotes about things the applicant did to give you your impression. Include any other information (such as special talents) that will help the C-CAP staff to differentiate him or her from other applicants. Please return this form and two copies of your letter of recommendation on letterhead in a sealed envelope to the applicant by. 8

11 C-CAP Competition Contract In order to apply for entry into the C-CAP Cooking Competition for Scholarships, this contract must be signed and dated by the applicant, his or her parent/guardian, and the applicant s competition instructor-trainer. I,, understand that: Competitor Name Your initials: The C-CAP Cooking Competition for Scholarships preliminary application is the first step towards consideration for a C-CAP scholarship. I must be selected to compete in the Preliminary Competition and the Final Competition in order to be eligible for a scholarship from C-CAP. C-CAP scholarships can ONLY be used towards post-secondary educations in culinary arts, hospitality, tourism and nutrition. Further restrictions may apply as listed on written materials provided by C-CAP. If I do not meet the requirements for a scholarship, I understand that I am not eligible for that opportunity. C-CAP will determine the results of each competition based on the criteria as they are listed in the C-CAP application. Participation in previous C-CAP programs and activities does not guarantee acceptance into the preliminary competition or the final competition; nor does it guarantee that I will earn a C-CAP scholarship. I must meet all competition-related deadlines, RSVP s and confirmation dates. I must attend all mandatory competition-related events and activities; I must arrive on time and be properly prepared to participate. I must attend all practices that C-CAP and/or my instructor-trainer schedule. Additionally, I understand that I am expected to practice at home. I must treat the C-CAP office, staff, equipment, fellow students, alums and C-CAP property with respect. Neither acceptance into the final competition nor participation in the final competition guarantees that I will earn a C-CAP scholarship. C-CAP and/or my instructor-trainer have the right to remove me from the competition for reasons including, but not limited to, non-compliance with the terms of this contract. If I am not selected to compete in the preliminary competition and/or the final competition, I understand that I am still eligible for future C-CAP programs and services. By signing this contract, I agree that I have read and understand the above terms and requirements of the C-CAP Cooking Competition for Scholarships. I understand what is expected of me and I commit to fulfilling C-CAP s requirements. Applicant Signature I understand what is expected of the applicant and his/her commitment to fulfill C-CAP s requirements as listed above. By signing this contract, I am permitting C-CAP to contact me directly in the event that the applicant doesn t meet stated expectations or is in jeopardy of comprising their eligibility for the competition and/or potential scholarships. Parent/Guardian Signature Competition Trainer Signature 9

12 STUDENT MEDIA RELEASE STUDENT S NAME (Please Print) I hereby give absolute and irrevocable permission to C-CAP to make the information contained in the C-CAP student profile form, student essay, as well as the name, voice, and/ or likeness of the student named above, available to the media for the purposes of publicizing and promoting C-CAP programs. I understand that this information, and any photos or video or other recordings taken by C-CAP or the media, or portions thereof, may appear in various media which may include, but is not limited to, print, internet, other digital media, television, and/or cable. I further understand that participation is voluntary and without compensation. I hereby release C-CAP, the schools at which events are held, photographers, videographers and interviewers from any future claims, as well as from any liability arising from the use of said information, photography and/or videography. YES I give permission to C-CAP as explained above. NO I do NOT give permission. PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (or student signature, if over 18) PRINTED PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME DATE SIGNED 10